Yoga may help manage diabetes – global studies
Scientific reviews of over 25 trials conducted globally shows yoga can be helpful in prevention and management of type-2 diabetes mellitus in adults.
The reviews – published recently in two international medical journals - Elsevier and the Journal of Diabetes Research shows yoga can help control blood sugar levels, improve the lipid profile and manage body weight, all of which can be very effective in preventing type-2 diabetes.
The systematic trials were conducted on Indians as well as Americans.
‘Findings suggest yogic practices may promote significant improvements in several indices of importance in Non- Insulin Dependent Diabetes (type-2 diabetes) management, including glycemic control, lipid levels and body composition,’ said a review published in Journal of Diabetes Research.
Yoga may also lower oxidative stress and blood pressure, enhance pulmonary and autonomic function, mood, sleep and quality of life – analysis of data from these trials suggested. If practiced regularly, yoga can also reduce medication use in adults with type 2 diabetes.
However, the reviews suggested because of the methodological limitations of existing studies, additional high quality investigations are required to confirm and further elucidate the potential benefits of yoga in diabetics.
‘If ancient yogic practices (diet, yogic asanas, simple way of life) are performed, it will benefit any lifestyle disease. However, currently yoga has to pass through more rigorous scientific scrutiny before any definitive recommendations can be made regarding adding to mainline therapy,’ said Dr Anoop Misra, Chairman, Fortis Hospital – Centre of Excellence for Diabetes.
The health ministry has also commissioned similar large-scale studies in India through S-VYASA, an Indian University for Yoga.
